How New Jersey Became a State

The history of New Jersey is one of the oldest and most interesting in the United States. From its early days as part of the Dutch colony of New Netherland to its current status as a state in the Union, New Jersey has played a significant role in the development of the nation.

Pre-Statehood History

Early settlements in New Jersey

The first known settlers in what is now New Jersey were the Lenape, who were a Native American tribe. They were followed by Dutch traders and settlers in the 1600s, who established trading posts and settlements along the Hudson and Delaware Rivers. The Dutch were the first to establish a permanent settlement in what is now New Jersey, when they founded Bergen in 1660. The Dutch were also the first to establish a form of government in the area, when they created the Province of New Netherland in 1624.

Role of the Dutch and English in New Jersey's History

The Dutch were the first to establish a presence in what is now New Jersey, but they were soon displaced by the English. In 1664, the English seized control of the area and renamed it New Jersey, after the island of Jersey in the English Channel. The English then divided the area into two provinces, East Jersey and West Jersey, which were both governed by the English Crown. The English also established a system of laws and courts, which were based on English common law. This system of laws and courts would remain in place until the American Revolution. During this time, the English also encouraged the settlement of the area by offering land grants to settlers. This led to a large influx of settlers from England, Scotland, and other parts of Europe, which helped to shape the history and culture of New Jersey.

The American Revolution

New Jersey's role in the American Revolution

New Jersey played a significant role in the American Revolution, with many of its citizens actively participating in the war effort. The state was a major supplier of food, ammunition, and other supplies to the Continental Army. New Jersey was also the site of several key battles, including the Battle of Trenton, which was a major turning point in the war. New Jersey was also the site of the first official military encampment of the Continental Army, which was established in 1776. The state was also home to many influential figures in the American Revolution, such as Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.

Significance of the Battle of Trenton

The Battle of Trenton was a major turning point in the American Revolution. It was fought on December 26, 1776, and was a decisive victory for the Continental Army. The victory at Trenton was a major morale boost for the American forces, and helped to inspire other patriots to join the cause. The battle also forced the British to retreat from New Jersey, which allowed the Continental Army to gain a foothold in the state. The victory at Trenton was a major factor in the eventual success of the American Revolution. It was also the first major victory for the Continental Army, and helped to establish the United States as a major military power.

The Road to Statehood

The New Jersey Constitution of 1776

The New Jersey Constitution of 1776 was a document that declared the independence of New Jersey from Great Britain. It was written by a committee of five delegates from each of the five counties in the state. The document declared that the people of New Jersey were free and independent from the British Crown and that they had the right to form a government of their own. It also established a unicameral legislature, a governor, and a Supreme Court. The document also declared that all citizens of New Jersey had the right to vote and that all laws passed by the legislature had to be approved by the governor. Furthermore, it declared that the state would be divided into five counties and that each county would have its own court system.

Ratification of the Constitution of the United States

After the New Jersey Constitution of 1776 was ratified, the state of New Jersey became one of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the Constitution of the United States. This was a major step in the formation of the United States of America. In order to ratify the Constitution, the state had to approve nine of the twelve articles that were included in the document. After the ratification of the Constitution, the state of New Jersey was officially recognized as a state in the Union. This was a major milestone in the history of the United States and it was a major step in the formation of a new nation.

In addition to ratifying the Constitution, the state of New Jersey also adopted a new state constitution in 1776. This new constitution was based on the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. It established a bicameral legislature, a governor, and a Supreme Court. It also declared that all citizens of New Jersey had the right to vote and that all laws passed by the legislature had to be approved by the governor. Furthermore, it declared that the state would be divided into five counties and that each county would have its own court system.

The ratification of the Constitution of the United States and the adoption of the New Jersey Constitution of 1776 were major steps in the formation of the United States of America. These documents provided the foundation for the new nation and established the rights and freedoms of its citizens. The ratification of the Constitution of the United States and the adoption of the New Jersey Constitution of 1776 were essential steps in the formation of the state of New Jersey and the United States of America.

Post-Statehood History

New Jersey's role in the Civil War

New Jersey played an important role in the Civil War, with over 90,000 soldiers enlisting in the Union Army. The state was a major supplier of food, clothing, and other materials to the Union Army, and was also a key transportation hub for the movement of troops and supplies. New Jersey was also home to several major battles, including the Battle of Monmouth in 1778 and the Battle of Princeton in 1777. New Jersey also provided a safe haven for escaped slaves, and was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.

New Jersey's economic and political development

In the years following the Civil War, New Jersey experienced a period of rapid economic and political development. The state's industrial sector grew rapidly, with factories producing textiles, food products, and other goods. Railroads and canals were built to facilitate transportation and trade, and the state's population grew rapidly. New Jersey also became a major center of finance and banking, and the state's government was modernized and reorganized. This period of growth and development was accompanied by the emergence of a strong political culture, with the state's two major parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, competing for power. In addition, the state's labor movement grew in strength, and the state's economy continued to grow and diversify.